The latest notification published on May 15, 2023 states that there are 6 national parties, 57 state parties, and 2597 unrecognized parties. Before elections, parties come with their respective manifestos, of course with promises and hopes. Many times, it’s seen that their promises and hopes are never fulfilled, like when Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that every Indian account would receive 15 lakh rupees, and he would bring back all black money to India. India has witnessed that even after three consecutive terms, his promises weren’tkept. Amit Shah said it was just a jumla, meaning that many political parties’ manifestos are mere publicity stunts. Their manifestos’ agenda aims at winning the election, but what people want is different from what parties promise. To read the people’s pulse, we have engaged in dialogue with Ramees EK, President of Students Islamic Organization of India, and Onaiq Ahmad, a student from Delhi.
Ramees EK, President, Students Islamic Organisation of India
As the nation stands on the precipice of yet another crucial election, the call for a People’s Manifesto reverberates louder than ever. While political parties will release their manifestos, the question remains: will they truly address the needs of the citizens and work towards their prosperity and happiness, or will they merely serve as a facade, masking the true intentions of politicians through false promises?
A genuine manifesto should not consist of empty pledges that are never fulfilled; instead, it should outline development goals and necessary provisions that prioritize citizens’ well-being and are realistically achievable. It’s not merely a list of promises; it’s a pact of accountability, a roadmap towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Here’s an enhanced blueprint that resonates with the aspirations and priorities of the populace, ensuring truly representative and inclusive governance:
1.Embracing Diversity:Foster harmony among diverse communities, combating misinformation and bigotry with inclusive policies. And ensure every individual feels valued and respected, irrespective of their faith, ethnicity, or background.
- Defending Democratic Principles:Uphold the right to dissent, safeguarding democratic freedoms against any encroachment; advocate for the repeal of oppressive legislation such as the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the National Security Act (NSA), preserving civil liberties; and foster a culture of participatory democracy where every voice is heard and respected.
- Transforming Education, Empowering Minds:Overhaul the education system to prioritize holistic learning experiences that nurture critical thinking and creativity; promote inclusive educational approaches, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all; and allocate a significant portion of the GDP towards education, guaranteeing adequate resources for lifelong learning and skill development.
- Prioritizing Healthcare and Ensuring Well-Being:Recognize healthcare as a fundamental right and strengthen the healthcare infrastructure for universal access to quality services; and introduce comprehensive health insurance schemes to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare expenses on families.
- Empowering the Marginalized, Bridging Divides:Prioritize the upliftment of marginalized communities through targeted interventions and equitable development programs; strengthen reservation policies and enact laws to ensure justice and safety for vulnerable groups; and enhance scholarships and support mechanisms to facilitate access to education and economic opportunities for marginalized individuals.
- Securing Equality, Eradicating Discrimination:Enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws to safeguard the rights of every individual; Ensure free and compulsory education for all, promoting inclusivity in educational institutions; and promote affirmative action measures to address historical injustices and promote equality of opportunity.
- Empowering the Youth, Building the Future:Recognize the potential of youth as agents of change and provide opportunities for skill development and civic engagement; enact policies such as the Employment Guarantee Act to provide job security and promote youth employment; and Invest in youth-centric initiatives that foster leadership, innovation, and social responsibility.
- Preserving Secularism, Safeguarding Pluralism: Uphold the secular fabric of the nation, respecting diversity of religious beliefs and promoting communal harmony; oppose any attempts to undermine secular principles and safeguard the constitutional right to freedom of religion; and foster interfaith dialogue and promote mutual respect among religious communities.
- Prioritizing the People’s Voice:The People’s Manifesto should reflect the collective aspirations and demands of citizens.
Beyond casting their votes, citizens should actively engage with political parties and hold them accountable for their promises.
As the nation prepares to exercise its democratic rights, let us unite behind a People’s Manifesto that embodies the hopes and dreams of every citizen. Together, let’s construct a future that embraces prosperity, upholds justice, and gives voice and respect to the marginalized.
Onaiq Ahmad, a student from Delhi
At the time of elections, an important question arises: what should be the public manifesto on this occasion? Therefore, it is crucial to ascertain which political party or candidate is genuinely committed to the survival of the country’s democracy, its development, and the maintenance of a secular identity.
We must assess the academic abilities of the candidate, along with their moral character, which should inspire trust among the populace. A candidate should possess the capacity to work effectively at both the organizational and public levels, demonstrate sound decision-making skills, exhibit empathy for the nation, and be adept at deliberating for the nation’s welfare with patience and perseverance, particularly in adverse circumstances. They should embody qualities such as positive thinking, proactive engagement, and a commitment to keeping the public informed about their actions after winning the election.
The public should also prioritize electing individuals with high moral standards and character, in addition to knowledge, which encompasses fairness, integrity, discernment, loyalty, courage, dependability, decisiveness, resilience, enthusiasm, conduct, and adherence to principles.
Furthermore, it’s imperative that they possess the courage to advocate for the rights of the underprivileged, minorities, and disadvantaged groups, while being free from biases based on caste, community, or ethnicity.
Citizens should demand that every political party nominate candidates with clean records and genuine dedication to serving the people. It is crucial to refrain from voting for ineligible candidates, regardless of whether they are independent or affiliated with a party.